SnowGlobe attendee reports attempted rape

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South Lake Tahoe police are looking for a suspect who reportedly attempted to rape a woman he picked up on her way back from the SnowGlobe Music Festival.

The 25-year-old victim became separated from her friends before midnight on New Year's Eve, South Lake Tahoe Police Detective Jeff Roberson said. She was reportedly walking back along Johnson Lane between Al Tahoe Boulevard and Highway 50 when she accepted a ride from the suspect in a pickup.

The suspect, who was unknown to the victim, promised to drive her to the residence where she was staying, according to a press release. He drove for 10 minutes before parking and then attacking the victim, the release stated.

During the struggle, the suspect was able to pull down the victim's pants but the woman managed to escape, police said. The victim, who is not from the area, fled through neighborhoods unfamiliar to her before finally reaching her friend's house, according to the release.

The police department waited to release the information about the attempted rape until law enforcement could determine that the incident was not related to the Alyssa Byrne case, Roberson said. Byrne's body was found Jan. 4 behind a snowbank on Pioneer Trail. Police do not suspect foul play but are still waiting for a full autopsy.

South Lake Tahoe police also had to coordinate with an out-of-area agency, he said.

The suspect was driving an older white Ford pickup truck with a manual transmission and black cloth seats. He was described as a 25-year-old white male, about 5-foot-7, with a skinny build. His hair was brown and wavy, and he had about a week's worth of facial stubble, according to the release.

The victim said the suspect told her he was not from the area, according to Roberson.

SLTPD asks that anyone with information on the subject call the police at 530-542-6100 and refer to case number 1301-0029. Secret Witness can also be reached at 530-541-6800.